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The marriage might have been one of convenience, but she couldn’t help but smile at the compliment. Part relief, part gratitude because the elderly dowager wasn’t at all what she expected.

Further to that point, Diana felt a small flush when she pictured the duke speaking such nice things about her. Because that’s what they were. Some might interpret them as something else, but she had been chosen for a reason and this was it. Clearly, it was exactly what he wanted too.

“You think so?”

“I don’t know, you tell me,” she said with a wink.

Diana laughed. “Your grandson is clearly a man who is used to getting his own way. Something tells me that I might have to changes this.”

“And the girls?”

“I...” Diana grimaced. “To be honest with you, that I am not certain of. His Grace told me of them, and I am eager to help where I can. I agree, girls need a mother. But I am not going to lie to you and claim that I am something I am not. I was not raised that way.”

“And nor will they be.”

“Did he say anything else?” Diana asked, feigning being casual. “About...” She cleared her throat. “About me...”

The dowager wagged her finger. “Careful, I cannot reveal all my grandson's secrets. Some, you will have to learn for yourself. No doubt you have done some digging of your own.”

“Only a little.”

“And what have you heard?”

Diana thought about what Evelyn had just told her. “Nothing I am worried about.”

The dowager snorted. “Liar. My grandson has a reputation, that is true. Some of it is entirely accurate. But what you should know is that he is proud, and intelligent to boot. He will not take insolence or stupidity lightly. And he prefers a woman who speaks her mind.” She smirked. “At least I have always thought so.”

“Noted,” Diana said with a grin.

“You are entering a new world,” she continued. “When I married my grandson’s father, I was not as I am now. I was scared. A timid thing...” She sighed and shook her head. “It took me years before I found myself. I suggest you not take quite so long as that.”

“I only worry His Grace doesn’t know quite what he is in for.”

“Oh, I think he does.”

A pang of guilt struck Diana suddenly, because it was clear to her that the dowager had no idea the true arrangement of this marriage. Likely, she thought it was standard fair and that it would be treated as such. Clearly, that wasn’t to be the case.

It was a strange thing but for a moment, Diana almost felt regretful that she was entering into this marriage under the preconceived notion of convenience, and she wondered what it might be like if things were different. A silly thing to think, as then the marriage wouldn’t be happening at all.

All she could do was be as the dowager suggested, herself, and hope that sufficed. It would simply have to do.

“Now, about my grandson...” the dowager shuffled forward. “A few tips, perhaps? Ways of dealing with him when he is in one of his moods.”

“Oh.” Diana shuffled forward too. “Yes please.”

The dowager’s eyes flashed menace and Diana could not keep herself from giggling. It was early days. Still, she could not imagine what was to come. But she felt that she had found an ally in the dowager and she felt all the better for it.

Maybe this marriage would not be such a bad thing after all?

ChapterSix

Diana couldn’t stop shaking. The nerves were starting to get to her and try as she might, nothing seemed capable of stopping them.

“Are you sick?” her mother asked her with worry.

“No, mother.”

“Cold then? I don’t see how. In this weather!”